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Help Me Scale Down from KA-7100 to ?

mg196

mg196

Johnny Thunders - LAMF
Once I had child #2 a couple years ago, I had to scale down my system, placing the turntable in the attic :tears: and trading my Polk Monitor 10a's for a pair of Polk bookshelf speakers. However, I kept my Kenwood KA-7100 as the center of my now-bedroom system.

Here is my unit (huh huh huh), thanks to Army:

KA-7100-1.jpg


I have finally realized this is just too much for my needs right now. I am looking for a recommendation for a smaller amp. I am definitely interested in a degree of "eye-candy factor," so the wife doesn't mind it (as much). I am open to both solid-state and tube amps, although I have never owned tube.

Your advice is valued!
 
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Marantz 1030 or 1060? My 1030 is 11D x 5H x 14W and I believe the 1060 is similar. Can't say how it sounds since I don't use it much, but the 1060 has quite a following.
 
Denon made some very nice slim profile integrated amps and you can pick them up cheap. And they sound great!
 
I don't get it. In what way is it too much? might as well go the bose wave radio route if something fairly simple and quality is too much
 
kbott said:
I don't get it. In what way is it too much? might as well go the bose wave radio route if something fairly simple and quality is too much
Click to expand...

I am hoping that's sarcasm I see in your response... :D

It is a pretty large amp and WAY overpowered for my needs at the moment. I am searching for something that's lower profile. I certainly don't want to sacrifice quality, as your "bose wave radio" suggestion implies.

Hey dr*audio, any particular Denon models come to mind? I'm a Denon fan.
 
Take it out of the wooden case.

Bingo!

Lower profile.

You might look at Luxman if you really want to replace it.
 
mg196 said:
I am hoping that's sarcasm I see in your response... :D

It is a pretty large amp and WAY overpowered for my needs at the moment. I am searching for something that's lower profile. I certainly don't want to sacrifice quality, as your "bose wave radio" suggestion implies.

Hey dr*audio, any particular Denon models come to mind? I'm a Denon fan.
Click to expand...

I don't know any models off hand, but all the silver ones I have heard have sounded great. My friend who cuts my hair has one, and I'm going to have a haircut tomorrow. If I think about it I'll write down the model number.
 
mg196 said:
I am hoping that's sarcasm I see in your response... :D

It is a pretty large amp and WAY overpowered for my needs at the moment. I am searching for something that's lower profile. I certainly don't want to sacrifice quality, as your "bose wave radio" suggestion implies.

Hey dr*audio, any particular Denon models come to mind? I'm a Denon fan.
Click to expand...

I wasn't trying to be sarcastic but anything lower powered you most likely will be sacrificing in quality for essentially a negligable space savings if that's what your trying to accomplish

if anything if I liked the kenwood sound I'd be looking to upgrade to an 8100 or 9100.

if space is utlimately the issue maybe look at a t-amp. I've personally never had one but they seem to have generally good press
 
The power output of the KA-7100 should not be a significant factor.... I've used mine to power a variety of speakers, including some very efficient Altecs that are normally powered by a low output SET amp.

The KA-7100 seemed at ease in all situations.
 
How much smaller would you like to go ? Do you want vintage, silver or black face ? Does it matter ?

For vintage silver I can recommend these two. First is a nice little(not tiny but smallish) Kenwood Ka-5002 that sounds nice and has about 30wpc.

ka5002c.jpg


Someone mentioned Luxman and I have a Luxman L-210 that is shorter wider than the KA-5002. It's a very nice sounding little integrated with 45wpc I think.

luxman200.jpg


Both of the two mentioned are well built, sound nice and would make a nice little system with bookshelf speakers in a bedroom. There really are a lot of different smallish integrated amps that would work for you.
 
Turn it sideways? It's really just not that big... Seems hardly worth getting something else just for size purposes. If you do, might as well go to a little chip amp of some sort, I think. you can make your own eye candy case, maybe?

As far as vintage stuff, there's definitely some options out there. A couple things fresh on my mind that are tiny are the JVC MCM-105e, aka 5111, and the HK 330a/b/c.
 
Hey guys, thanks for all the input here! It is greatly appreciated.

Keep in mind, this is a TEMPORARY change. I am NEVER getting rid of this 7100! Turn it sideways? No way that would work...it is a beast.

I should have enough to go on from here. Thanks again.
 
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